Bob Wienke
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Photos Courtesy of Steve Sarver

J. Robert "Bob" Wienke (affectionately known as “Grandpa Wienke”) was the Handicraft Director at Camp Lowden from 1981-1987.

Bob was born and raised in Woodstock and was a lifelong resident. He was involved in Scouts as a youth in Troop 153 in Woodstock. He worked at Woodstock Autolite, making grills for cars for General Motors. Over the years he also worked at a flower shop; J & T Tools; a die and mold company; Aubrey's in Marengo; and Autolite. While at J & T, Bob lost his left thumb in a work-related accident. During the 1950's Bob was Scoutmaster of Troop 153, chartered to Grace Lutheran Church. He also served the troop as Chartered Organization Representative (then known as Institutional Head) as well as Unit Commissioner. He was also very active with the Kishwaukee District, serving as training Chairman, Cub Scout day camp chairman, district committee member, assistant district commissioner, and district commissioner. He was a very heavy supporter of the Order of the Arrow. He represented the Elk’s Club and presented certificates and miniature U.S. flags at numerous Eagle Scout courts of honor. Bob was presented with the Silver Beaver Award in 1971 for his dedication to Scouting.

Bob became very knowledgeable in handicraft through lots of practice and as a hobby. His strength was in leather tooling. He was the handicraft director at Camp Lowden from 1981-1987 and was referred to, naturally, as “Mr. Wienke.” Dan Reilly recalls that one year at the parents’ potluck meal before camp started he introduced Bob as his grandfather. After that time he was always known as “Grandpa Wienke.”

Sadly, Bob suffered from neck cancer for many years and he passed away on May 27, 1993. Also that year, the handicraft lodge was dedicated in his memory. In 2007 this building was torn down and a new handicraft lodge was built. This building was also dedicated to Bob on October 13, 2007 and is known as the Wienke Lodge. Bob believed deeply that no Scout should be deprived of the camp experience because of a lack of funds. The Sycamore District of Blackhawk Area Council is honored to have the Wienke Campership Fund. Each year these camperships are given to Cub Scouts, Webelos, and Boy Scouts who cannot afford camp. Forms are available for day camp, resident camp at Camp Lowden or Boy Scout summer camp at Camp Lowden. If awarded a campership, the Scout is required to pay 50% of the cost of camp and the campership helps out by paying the other 50%.